Local residents often don’t get factual information about the things involving their law enforcement officers that occur every day on the streets in their communities. To help educate the public on how and why law enforcement does the things they do, police departments have started communicating directly with the public to share their message. Being educated about a situation is the best way to understand how and why it works. 

Putting some information out through social media can be useful, but it doesn't provide an opportunity for residents to learn why officers do certain things. It's more effective to have two-way conversations about the issues in law enforcement today. 

The Bridging the Gap program is a class through which local officers are providing information on the current challenges and changes in law enforcement, and showing residents what they face day in and day out on the streets. Due to the popularity of the program, Walla Walla Police Department is holding an additional class from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Dec. 13 at the WWPD community room, 54 E. Moore St.

Those interested in this free class can sign up on Eventbrite.com. The class is limited to 25 people so organizers can assure proper spacing of individuals. Only those registered for the class may attend.

WWPD also is seeking opportunities for officers to visit businesses and community groups and share their story about the current changes and recent challenges they are experiencing in law enforcement. The content can be tailored to fit time slots from one to two hours. If you have a business, club, or organization and are interested in hosting this program, you may contact WWPD Sergeant Gunner Fulmer at 509-524-4634 or gfulmer@wallawallawa.gov, or Crime Prevention Coordinator Vicki Ruley at 509-524-4409 or vruley@wallawallawa.gov.